I used to dread networking. For starters, I’m awkward even when I’m around close friends, much less when I’m wearing a stiff suit at an explain-your-job-in-a-speed-dating-format event. Luckily, IndyHub helped create a space in Indy where people like me – folks who want to change our city and crave a network that’s based on shared values and interests; not merely on titles and maneuvers – can thrive. The IndyHub ladies have become friends to many in their endeavors to connect our community to our city. This shift toward authentic networking makes Indy stand out among places young professionals want to live. It’s exactly what’s kept me and so many others here.
I owe IndyHub many thanks for its work in shaping Indy’s Young Professionals Movement. For now, my top three:
Thank You for Leading with an Authentic Approach
Molly opens events with self-deprecating jokes about her early days as a professional. Karissa casually kicks off transit rallies by mentioning that she and Brett are committed to being a one-car family. Their authentic approach is contagious. It not only puts those new to Indianapolis at ease, it keeps veteran Hoosiers engaged.
IndyHub’s eagerness to help others replicate this approach is illustrated by the guidance they offer many local organizations working to engage young professionals. With each organization they help, each evening they spend away from their families to volunteer their time, the team further underscores their desire to connect Indy.
Throughout my career, the organizations I’ve been involved with have been lucky to be the recipient of IndyHub’s guidance. When WFYI wanted to start a young professionals group, we reached out to IndyHub to offer guidance. Zoobilation’s planning committee wanted to start a Twitter team. IndyHub to the rescue. When the Board of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network wanted to work on our strategic plan, we became a part of IndyHub’s President’s Roundtable (now The LAB) to form deeper partnerships with like-minded groups on our organizational development. Carol Howard, executive director of Rev, wants young Indianapolis residents to learn more about the services Methodist Health Foundation supports. IndyHub has joined in our efforts to involve young leaders in this work.
…for Focusing on Intentional Community Engagement
In 2013 IndyHub conducted the YP Perspectives research study, which now drives the decisions IndyHub’s leadership makes regarding collaborations. This nimble approach of aligning with what young professionals want means that IndyHub’s events attract Indy’s most caring, engaged, talented individuals. IndyHub’s audience shares interests and therefore connects on a meaningful level, which subsequently drives lasting connections that strengthen our collective efforts to improve life in Indianapolis.
…for Hosting Uncomfortable Conversations
For 12 years, IndyHub has worked to build this agile network, which they activate via important community conversations that mobilize Indy’s young professionals. It’s not only critical that conversations such as the Raise Your IQ: Education Reform and the Dinner Series: Equitable Transit happen in Indy, it’s important that the right organization holds them. Because of IndyHub’s deep connection to so many organizations and individuals throughout the city, they are uniquely positioned to facilitate well-rounded, action-oriented conversations that include varying views on a given issue.
For all these reasons and more, I support IndyHub and encourage you to do before the year’s end. This December, please join me in thanking Molly and the entire IndyHub team through the gift of your time, donations, goods or your voice. Let’s thank them for being inspiring female role models, colleagues, and friends. Thank them for setting the city we love up for success so that long after we’ve hung up our networking hats, future young professionals will carry on this movement. I hope I’m joined not only by their existing fans, but by so many who have unwittingly benefited from the united, strategic base of young professionals IndyHub has helped create.
Make a secure and tax deductible gift to the IndyHub Foundation this holiday season. Donate here.
Kirsten Cuniffe is communications officer at Lumina Foundation. Lumina is committed to a fair, universal system for learning beyond high school that meets the nation’s talent needs.
